Beware! TradeFXCenter is an offshore broker! Your investment may be at risk.
RECOMMENDED FOREX BROKERS
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Open trading accounts with at least two brokers.
TradeFXCenter is a forex brokerage registered in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It provides both the VetaTrader platform and a web-based one. The required minimum deposit is the staggering $5000 which is quite excessive and in no way favorable for traders.
TradeFXCenter regulation & safety of funds
On the brokers website we read that the broker brand is owned and operated by a SVG-based company with the name S.R. Capital Group LTD. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a well-known offshore zone and a preferred location for shady brokerage.
Readers are reminded that the government of SVG has had to publicly state quite a few times in the past that it does not regulate Forex trading and thus we may safely conclude that not only is the brokerage not regulated. Furthermore, trading with an offshore, unregulated brokerage hides a lot of risk. There may be commingling which means that the brokerage may commingle together the finances of the firm and the finances of the clients.
Putting this aside, the brokerage purports to provide the VetaTrader platform, as well as a web-based trading terminal. However, after downloading the VetaTrader platform we were unable to register for a demo account, nor did we have any more luck with the web-based trading platform. We view this as a big disadvantage because without a test-drive we are unable to get acquainted with the trading conditions of the brokerage which is the most important aspect of Forex trading. We do learn from the website of the brokerage that the required minimum deposit is the ludicrous sum of $5000 which is an amount no brokerage should require from a client for the most basic account. Usually brokerages require $250 which has become the standard amount in Forex trading. All in all, the lack of regulation and the offshore location of the brokerage incline us to suspect that potential client’s funds may be at risk.
Traders needn’t have to worry themselves with such risk if they choose to trade with a brokerage regulated and authorized by a prestigious regulatory agency. Such agencies are the FCA in the UK or CySec in Cyprus which have been leading names in Forex trading for some time now. Their regulatory framework is composed of a number of strict rules which prevent clients from falling victims to fraud. Such rules include the segregation of accounts which assures that commingling with the client’s money is not possible. Furthermore, a license by such a regulatory body entails participation in a financial mechanism by which clients may be compensated if they suffer losses due to fraud or bankruptcy. With the FCA the compensation is up to 85 000 pounds, where as with CySEC it is up to 20 000 euro per person.
TradeFXCenter deposit/withdrawal methods and fees
Potential clients of the brokerage may deposit or withdraw via VISA and MasterCard, Bank wire, Skrill, Neteller, Rapid, NeoSurf, Paysafecard and SOFORT.
While going through the brokers terms and conditions we couldn’t find anything especially unsettling. However, we can’t be sure whether the brokerage won’t charge any unexpected fees once the initial deposit is made.
This is why we remind readers of all the ways a trader may test the brokerage’s intentions. Firstly, traders are advised to always put up only the required minimum deposit, instead of risking a bigger amount with no certainty. Afterwards, they may also try to withdraw a small amount in order to check for any unexpected fees or delays. Such fees and delays are usually the signs of a scammer.
How does the scam work?
Even though the forex trading world is extremely large and encompasses millions of people around the globe, the most common scamming is pretty simple and straightforward and as such – it’s not particularly daring to avoid. Here is a quick overview of how it is done:
Through clicking an ad with promises for fast money, you will be redirected to a website such as Bitcoin Evolution or The bitcoin miner where registration will require you to give your address, email and phone number. After sharing your personal information, you will being receiving calls from brokers, compelling you to invest with them and win big. After a few minutes hearing their pitches, you decide to deposit some $200-250. And just like that – the scammers take a fat commission from this initial deposit.
After they are done with you, senior scammers begin working you into putting even more money. They say it’s the only way to profit from trading even more. After making the mistake of investing even further, you’ll begin wanting to get out of this and withdraw what you have left.
Unfortunately, the con-artists have no such thing in mind. They will now begin persuading you to wait it out and not withdraw right now. The angle here is pretty blunt – traders have a limited time period for filing achargeback with their bank and get their money back. The “recovery department” will simply want to mislead you into missing thе crucial period and, along the way, losing any chance you might have of getting the money back.
It is important here to take notice that both Visa and MasterCard are taking measures to combat unregulated forex brokerages by classifying all forex transactions as high risk. And with the case of TradeFXCenter – they are correct in doing so. Furthermore, supporting their intention with clear actions – MasterCard has increased the previous time period of six months for filing a chargeback to a year and a half.
What to do when scammed?
As was mentioned above, scamming is quite the common in the trading world and, sadly, even you might suffer from it. In such an unfortunate case there still may be some available options for you.
You may contact your bank or credit card provider and file a chargeback.
If, however, you have provided the broker with your credit card details, immediately cancel your credit card.
If you have given information regarding your online banking pass – you should switch it asap!
Beware of potential calls from self-described “recovery agencies”! They prey on scammed and vulnerable traders who are desperate to recover their losses. They will require an “up-front” payment to help you, but after paying them, no such help will be coming your way!
